MISSED chances cost Darlington as they drew 0-0 at home to Spennymoor last night in the biggest Northern League match of the season so far.

MISSED chances cost Darlington as they drew 0-0 at home to Spennymoor last night in the biggest Northern League match of the season so far.

So Quakers still lead the Division One table by seven points, though second-placed Spennymoor have five games in hand.

It is unlikely that any other side will catch the leading duo, even though there is half a season to go.

A bumper crowd of 1,832 on a wet night reflected the appeal of the match, and showed the appetite that Quakers fans retain for the club despite the problems of the last year.

Darlington manager Martin Gray said: “We were playing the team that have won the league for the past three seasons. We’ve controlled the match and had chances to score but not taken them.

“Our first half performance was really strong. I was proud of every one of the players. Their work ethic was good and they got on the ball and were brave.”

Moors manager Jason Ainsley was pleased with a point, especially as he didn’t feel his side hit top form.

The Teessider said: “I don’t think you’ve seen the real Spennymoor. The defenders outshone the attackers.

“I think Darlington shaded the game if I’m honest.”

Amar Purewal missed the Quakers’ best opening.

He broke clear in the first half from David Dowson’s pass, but took the ball too close to Spennymoor keeper Robert Dean, who got a hand to it to force the Darlington man too wide to convert the chance.

Dowson, set up by Purewal, saw a shot well saved by Dean, while Stephen Thompson had a shot deflected narrowly wide.

But Spennymoor had their moments, and Mark Davison found the net but had his effort ruled out for offside.

Towards the end Darlington dominated possession, but Spennymoor stood firm to maintain their unbeaten record, and become the first team to take points from Darlington at Heritage Park.

Quakers had won all 12 up to last night, but their record at their temporary home remains one to be proud of.

With Quakers being banned by the Football Association from their cup competitions this season, they have a lot fewer games to play than Spennymoor.

So while last night’s visitors stay favourites to retain their crown, they will have to deal with fixture congestion, and will hope that the winter remains mild, with postponements kept to a minimum.